AC Milan star Rafael Leao is emerging as an option for Arsenal as they search for a new winger, TBR Football can exclusively reveal.
At this point it’s well known that Mikel Arteta’s side are interested in signing a new number nine – Arsenal are assessing a number of strikers right now.
However, the Gunners are also making it clear that a new winger to fill the left-sided spot is considered just as important as finding a new striker.
Arsenal would love to sign Nico Williams who remains top of the club’s list, however, AC Milan’s Portuguese forward Leao is also emerging as an option in north London, even if that is somewhat stemming from the player’s side.
Leao’s camp are currently assessing options for the winger, with one of those also being Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea.
Arsenal are beginning to explore a move for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao
That being said, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has provided an update on Arsenal’s pursuit of a new left winger this summer, including their links to Leao.
Arsenal want a right-footer for the left side of their attack to parallel the excellent cover they have on the other side of their front three with Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri.
Speaking to TBR, Bailey said: “Arsenal’s scouting team were already hard at work before Andrea Berta’s arrival – he has not overturned the department or thinking but has just added his depth and knowledge.
“He believes the club need a new player for the left and we know he has already held talks over Nico Williams, but they are doing their work on other options.
“Rafa Leao is someone who is on the radar of a number of clubs, including rivals Chelsea.
“The feeling in football circles is that he could leave, Like with Williams and Luis Diaz, his dream move is Barcelona – but that is true of many players.
“Leao is an interesting player, and one who Arsenal are aware of, and have done work on him.”
Declan Rice’s link to Rafael Leao
Interestingly, Arsenal star Declan Rice has already become very well acquainted with Leao over the past couple of years.
Rice trained with Leao in Portugal in summer of 2023 when both were linked with a move to north London.
And Rice and Leao then interacted on Instagram too, explaining why the Portugal international might already have one familiar face should he ever move to the Emirates Stadium.
Of course, that is still a very long way from happening right now – Arsenal’s interest is still pretty surface level and Leao had a price tag of £150m in the past.
And as explained, Arsenal believe that Williams would be willing join the club this summer, a move that Berta is already putting a lot of energy into.
